Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a multi-featured biological array relative to a signal acquisition device. Detection of the array's positional deviation may be achieved by a calibration beam reflected from the array surface and detected by a position sensitive detector (PSD). The PSD-measured positional deviation can be transformed and used in a control loop to correct for positional variations of the array. The calibration beam and PSD may also be used to detect the array or feature boundaries, thereby allowing lateral centering or positioning of the array relative to the signal acquisition device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to illuminate a target. The apparatus can comprise a first lens configured to receive light from the light source, a diffractive optical element configured to receive the light from the first lens and to regulate the light into regulated light, and second lens configured to receive the regulated light and to direct the regulated light onto a selected area of the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to illuminate a target. The apparatus can comprise a first lens configured to receive light from the light source, a diffractive optical element configured to receive the light from the first lens and to regulate the light into regulated light, and second lens configured to receive the regulated light and to direct the regulated light to a selected area of the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to illuminate a target. The apparatus can comprise a first lens configured to receive light from the light source, a diffractive optical element configured to receive the light from the first lens and to regulate the light into regulated light, and second lens configured to receive the regulated light and to direct the regulated light onto a selected area of the target.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improved mapping and sequencing of carbohydrate polymers. In one aspect, the improvement includes a means for coupling two capillary electrophoresis (CE) tubes in such a way so as to (i) efficiently transfer a selected sample component from a first CE capillary to a second CE capillary or, (ii) introduce a supplementary reagent into the separation path between the two capillaries, e.g., an internal standard, binding agent, enzyme, and the like. In an additional aspect, the invention includes improved apparatus and methods for electrophoresis of labeled carbohydrates in which a sample carbohydrate labeled with a first label is separated by CE and its migration behavior is compared with an internal standard labeled with one or more second labels which are distinguishable from the first label.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved real-time scanning fluorescence electrophoresis apparatus for the electrophoretic analysis of fluorescently-labeled polynucleotide fragments. The apparatus is characterized by having an electrophoresis chamber containing an electrophoretic separation medium capable of accommodating multiple electrophoresis lanes arranged in a planar array, a fluorescence detector mounted on a translatable stage, a light source for exciting fluorescent molecules, and a computer for collecting data consisting of time, location, fluorescence wavelength and fluorescent intensity information. The improvements herein disclosed include, (i) using a spectral-array detector for detecting the emission light from the fluorescently-labeled polynucleotide fragments including the simultaneous detection of multiple fluorescent labels, and, (ii) a temperature control means to control the temperature of the electrophoretic separation medium during electrophoresis.

Abstract: A liquid-handling instrument has a worksurface with registration for modular stations to support containers of liquid, pipette apparatus with a pipette tip coupled to a sensing circuit, a robotic translation system for moving the pipette tip, and a control system with an iconic user interface for programming and editing. A gauge block registered on the worksurface provides for calibration using the sensing tip, and register cavities on the worksurface provide for modular stations. There is a wash station fop the pipette tip on the worksurface. An automated laboratory based on the liquid-handling system has heating and cooling and a sealable incubation station as well as a magnetic separation station. Methods are disclosed using the apparatus to convey droplets of liquid, to aspirate with minimum tip contamination, to mix liquids in containers, and to validate the worksurface.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus has a gel film cast between two plates and buffer reservoirs at each end of the film with electrodes connectable to an external power supply for providing electromotive force for driving electrophoresis. The reservoirs are configured to wet the ends of the gel film and submerge the electrodes with the apparatus positioned either horizontally or vertically, so gel films can be cast horizontally with sample wells formed in the end of the gel between the plates. Samples may be added to the wells and run into the gel with the apparatus positioned vertically, and the analytical separation may be performed with the apparatus again positioned horizontally, such as in an automatic scanning apparatus.